Minjee Lee and Hannah Green scored the crucial points as Australia defeated the USA to win the Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown in Korea.
The West Aussie superstars were joined by Grace Kim and Steph Kyriacou in a power-packed Aussie line-up for the biennial eight-team match play event.
In a tight contest, Lee defeated Henderson 1UP after Green lost 2&1 to Hull, but Kim and Kyriacou edged a sudden-death playoff in the foursomes clash to put send Australia to the final.
There they faced a similarly strong US team, represented by Angel Yin, Yealimi Noh, Lilia Vu and Lauren Coughlin, who had vanquished Japan in their own semi-final.
Runners-up in this event in 2023, Australia were not to be denied this time around as both Lee and Green won their respective singles matches against Yin and Noh 2&1 to secure the crown, with the foursomes match result not being required.
Having not had the best of weeks up until the final, Green was delighted to get the crucial point that took her team over the line.
“My putt on the last hole, I was very nervous. I knew exactly what it was for,” said Green. “I said to the girls I was just happy I got on the board. I’m glad I could contribute in some way this week.”
Lee, meanwhile, went undefeated in her five matches – winning four – to be named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Minjee Lee was officially named as the tournament MVP
“I’m really excited that we were able to win all together,” Lee said. “I think it’s even sweeter because I could do it with all of these girls.
“We all played with a lot of grit and a lot of perseverance and resilience this week just to get into the final match. I think we all did really well.”
The four Aussies shared the top prize of US$500,000 between them, with each taking home $125,000.
Photos: Getty Images
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